Basketball History in Buffalo: A Look Back at NCAA Tournament Moments and Future Hostings
Buffalo, New York has a rich history of hosting NCAA tournament games, with the upcoming tournament marking the eighth time the city will serve as a host. Looking back at the 2000 tournament, one of the standout moments was the final game for Indiana coach Bobby Knight, who was embroiled in controversy and ultimately fired six months later. The Hoosiers suffered a significant 77-57 loss to Pepperdine, led by coach Jan van Breda Kolff, who later had a stint at St. Bonaventure. Notably, Jay Wright made his first NCAA tournament appearance with Hofstra, not Villanova, where he later found great success.
Buffalo has been a consistent host for men's basketball postseason games, with various names for the arena over the years. From HSBC Arena to KeyBank Center, the city has welcomed thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments. As the upcoming tournament approaches, Buffalo is gearing up to host four first-round games on March 19 and two second-round games on March 21. Fans can expect more exciting basketball action and the chance for new memories to be made in the city.